Marilyn Lois Johnson Gillett, faithful disciple of Christ, passed on November 22, 2024. Born in Austin on January 27, 1935, her parents Roy H. Johnson and Vivian Lyckman Johnson provided a Texas upbringing steeped in Swedish tradition and Lutheran values that Marilyn passed on to her daughters, Cindy and Suzanne.

Marilyn graduated from Austin High School and attended The University of Texas at Austin before marrying Jim Gillett and moving to Dallas to follow job opportunities. As they began their family with the birth of Cindy, they helped found Bethany Lutheran Church, which celebrated it's 60th anniversary in 2018.  With the addition of Suzanne, Marilyn's family revolved around church life serving in just about every capacity.  As her girls grew older, she added Girl Scout Leader, PTA member, softball mom, and seamstress to her resume, supporting them in all of their activities.  Living in the same Garland neighborhood for over 60 years, Marilyn loved her home, neighbors and gardening.  She was involved for many years as the Treasurer for Les Fluers Garden Club, participating in competitions, beautification projects for Garland and enjoying fellowship with friends at their monthly meetings.  In her later years, Marilyn continued to find ways to serve her church assisting in the treasurer duties and being part of Meals on Wheels, even riding along as a team member delivering meals when she no longer wanted to drive.

Marilyn's parents were both part of large Swedish families who settled in the New Sweden/Lund area outside of Austin. Marilyn spent much of time in her younger years with this close-knit clan and continued the tradition with her own family enjoying the holiday gatherings for Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter.  Marilyn was an amazing mother to Cindy and Suzanne, grandmother to Hilary, Kerry, Bobby and Dylan, and great grandmother to Jayden, Kylie, Katelyn, Kinley, Harper, Jackson and Amelia.  She was an extremely strong and independent woman who provided stability and consistency for her family, living her life with the mantras "take life as it comes" and "do the best you can".

Marilyn is preceded in death by her parents, her sister Betty Jo Johnson, her brother Raymond H. Johnson and her granddaughter Hilary Christine (Davis) Baehner.

She is survived by her daughters Cindy Davis of Garland, TX and Suzanne (George) Weatherall of Houston, TX.  She is survived by her grandchildren Kerry (Keith) Lenore of McKinney, TX; Bobby (Amanda) Heckeroth of Fulshear, TX; and Dylan (Elizabeth) Heckeroth of Cypress, TX.  Marilyn is survived by her 7 great grandchildren:  Jayden Baehner, Kylie Lenore, Katelyn Lenore, Kinley Lenore, Harper Heckeroth, Jackson Heckeroth and Amelia Heckeroth.  Her smile was genuine and contagious when she was in the presence of her great grandchildren.

Marilyn is also survived by her nieces (Betty Jo's daughters) Vickie O'Bannon and Rae Ann Goodman and their families.  As well, she is survived by her best friend turned sister-in-law, (Raymond's wife) Marilyn VanZandt Johnson and their children: Alan Johnson, Sheryl Johnson and Kathy Jusselin and their families.

Visitation will be held in Garland at Williams Funeral Home on Sunday, December 8th from 3:00pm to 5:00pm.  A graveside service will be held in Pflugerville at Cook Walden Capital Park on Saturday, January 4th at 11:00am.